Who Wrote the Zohar?

The Zohar is one of the foundational texts of Kabbalah, traditionally attributed to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. However, this attribution is contentious. Some facts are undisputed: The Zohar was extensively revealed in Spain in the 13th century by R. Moshe de Leon. Following its revelation, considerable debate ensued among Jewish scholars regarding the Zohar's origins, with entire books dedicated to resolving the questions. For example, while the book "Faith's Trial" attributed the Zohar to R. Moshe de Leon, "Refiner's Wisdom" refuted these claims point by point.

"The Zohar, which delves into the mystical aspects of the Torah, was authored by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai," asserts Rabbi Eli Amare. "Every saying found in it is attributed to him, although at a certain stage, Rabbi Shimon's disciples completed the book's writing."

Why is there even a debate about the author's identity? Shouldn't it be obvious?

"The answer is simple. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai lived about 1,800 years ago. For over a millennium, the Zohar was passed quietly from teacher to student, much like other Kabbalistic material. It was R. Moshe de Leon who published the Zohar and brought it widespread attention. Hence, some arose to challenge the Zohar and Kabbalah altogether, thinking he authored the work himself. But leading Jewish authorities - the Ramchal, disciples of the Vilna Gaon - and others provided clear evidence attributing it to Rabbi Shimon."

"R. Judah Aryeh of Modena wrote a book called 'Roaring Lion,' where he attacked the Zohar and Kabbalah more broadly. His book received sharp critiques. Various scholars refuted his claims one by one, and even published books discussing them - 'Shield and Buckler' by Rabbi Isaac Haver, 'Zohar's Antiquity' by the RDL, and 'Heavenly Zohar' by the Radzin Rebbe. Both the Ramchal, the Arizal, the Vilna Gaon and others argued that the assertions stemmed from misunderstanding."

For more on the composition of the Zohar, click here.

But the book isn't mentioned in ancient sources

"That's true, but in earlier times the Zohar was referred to as 'Midrashim of Rabbi Shimon' or 'Jerusalem Midrash.' The name Zohar was only given in the 13th century, wanting to characterize it as a light that illuminated its era. As for the matter itself, the claim that Rabbi Moshe de Leon wrote it in six years is entirely incorrect. His knowledge of Aramaic and Hebrew was not so strong, making it impossible for him to have composed the Zohar, even if he had wanted to."